Page 14 - Arkansas Snake Guide

CORAL SNAKE MIMICS

SUZANNE COLLINS
Scarlet Snake
Cemophora coccinea
Range Statewide.
Description Harmless. Smooth scales. Orange or
red incomplete bands, bordered with black, on a white
or yellowish cream base. Belly white or yellowish cream,
without markings; snout is pointed. Young are patterned
like adults. Adults 14-20 inches in length. Remember the
saying, “Red touch black, venom lack.”
Habitat and Habits Pine, hardwood or mixed pine-
hardwood forests, with loose or sandy soils. Active March-
October, active at night or after rains during hot weather.
Breeds in spring, lays 3-8 eggs in June. Eggs hatch in August
or September. A constrictor, feeding primarily on lizards,
small snakes and reptile eggs. Uses pointed snout to
burrow in loose soils.

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